Concert/Chamber Orchestra Description


Care of String Music Instruments

1) Always protect your instrument from excesses of heat and cold. Never keep your instrument by a heater, window, etc.

2) Be careful when tuning your strings. They break easily.

3) Change strings when they wear out or become false.

4) Put chalk on your tuning pegs if they become too difficult to turn or if they tend to slip out of position.

5) Rosin your bow before playing. Do not touch the surface of your rosin. Your fingers may become sticky and irritated, and the rosin will lose its effectiveness.

6) Never touch the hair of your bow. The natural oils from your hands will cause the hair to become slick, turn black, and not produce a good tone.

7) Wash your bow hair if it does get greasy or dirty. Use a toothbrush, water, and mild shampoo. Towel dry and then air dry for 24 hours. Rosin thoroughly before using.

8) Loosen your bow 4-6 turns after every use and tighten 4-6 turns before every use. This will keep the hair from stretching and the bow stick from warping.

9) Keep a soft cloth in your case to wipe the rosin dust from your instrument, strings, and bow stick after use.

10) Carefully put your instrument and bow in your case after every use and be sure that your case latches securely.

11) Carry your instrument with respect. Do not drag, bump, or drop.

12) Keep your instrument safe when you are using it. Do not hang it from your music stand, lay or lean it on a chair, or leave it unattended on the floor.

13) When transporting your instrument in a car, put it in the trunk if there is one. It is more secure and protected from temperature changes. Otherwise, put it on the floor and protect it from the sun's rays with a blanket. This will also prevent temptation of theft.

14) Be careful about letting others play your instrument, especially if they do not know the proper handling and care of it.

15) Periodically have your teacher check to see if the bridge is in the proper position.

If you consistently follow these suggestions, your instrument will LOOK its best, SOUND its best and IMPROVE with age!


How to Help Your Young String Player

> Review with them the "Care of String Instruments" sheet.

> Set aside a special place and time for daily playing, and be sure to have them return their signed practice slips every week. Freely compliment them after they have played/practiced successfully! (The more they play, the more self-confidence they gain!)

> If violins and violas are being held correctly, they should remain in the proper playing position without the use of the student's left hand. Cellos should check three contact spots for correct position: 1) knees below the lower c-bouts, 2) sternum touching the right back shoulder of the cello, and 3) c-string tuning peg level with left ear.

> If their playing sounds wrong for some reason, it probably is wrong. After checking to see if their strings are in tune, be sure that 1) their left-hand fingernails are trimmed, 2) their fingertips are placed correctly on the fingerboard, and 3) their bow is being drawn smoothly on the correct string.

> If their tone is "scratchy," then have them press their left-hand fingertips more firmly onto the fingerboard, and pull their bow faster, using more of the horse-hair.

> Have them practice their long, straight bow strokes (mainly moving from the elbow) with a toilet paper tube, which they may keep in their case.

> The thumbs and fingers of both hands should form circles when correctly placed. If the left hand appears flattened just say "thumbtack" to correct the placement.

> The first eight notes (pitches) that the students have learned are in the box at the top of page 13. Point to a note, have them play it, then point to another note. If they are having trouble with this game, have them review the pages in the book where the notes were first introduced.

> When they have learned a new piece, have them perform it for family and friends. Have them share their music with others as often as possible. Again, this will help them build pride and confidence in what they have learned.

Developing a musical skill gives one a source of enjoyment that will last a lifetime! Your interest and encouragement will reallly make a difference!




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